"Where are you going Momo?" asked Kiyoko, "We have a match later.
"I wanted to check on Taka-senpai," said Momo cheerfully.
"I want to come too," said Yuki pulling on Momo's arm.
"You stay here Yuki-chan," said Fuji pulling Yuki back down. Yuki gave a pout but relented.
"The fourth match begins! Seigaku's Echizen Ryoma versus Fudomine's Ibu Shinji"
"That guy was the one who defeated a lot of the region's top players," said Kiyoko, "He'll be perfect for Ryoma"
"What's this?" asked Rei feigning surprise, "You now call him by his first name without titles? You two must be close." Kiyoko blushed.
"Rei!" Ryoma made a small laugh before he started bouncing the ball.
"Using his right hand to serve," said Rei, "He must not be very serious"
"1 set match," said the ref. "Seigaku's service"
"Wow," commented Rei, "He's opening with his specialty. Twist Serve!" The ball flew straight at the surprised Shinji. Shinji ducked and the ball went past him and bounced off the court.
"Referee," said Echizen bouncing his next ball, "aren't you going to call the score." The ref. was staring at Ryoma with a dazed look.
"Fif- 15-0"
"Sugoi, Ryoma-kun," said Kiyoko with stars in her eyes, "By starting with that move, he turned the court to his favor." Ryoma served another twist serve that went past Shinji.
"No way!" exclaimed Fudomine who were now standing up, "A first year actually hit a twist serve accurately"
"Who said that Seigaku gave up its second singles position"
"Twist serve," muttered Shinji. Ryoma hit another twist serve after the ref called the score-40 to Love. Now Shinji was ready. He moved towards the serve and countered the ball by moving a step back.
"How did he return that twist serve so easily?" asked Kachiro perplexed. Ryoma smiled and returned gaining another point.
"Hm?" asked Ryoma amused before grinning, "oh, seems like you finally caught on the rhythm. I've been waiting for this"
"Ryoma looks like he's in top form," said Kiyoko proudly.
"Game Score 1-0"
"The game lasted little more than a minute," said Tachibana, "That's some first year"
"Wow!" exclaimed a bystander, "Seigaku's first year teammate is awesome"
"That freshman is good"
"Who is that guy?"
"Game, Seigaku leads 1-0. Change Court." "Great job Ryoma!" cheered Kiyoko patting the calm boy on the back, "I guess Yuki and I won't have to play after all." Rei looked at Shinji who was gazing at Ryoma surrounded by the regulars and as cool as can be. "That guy," said Rei, "He looks jealous." "Rei," said Tezuka calling Rei's attention back to him.
"Hai Captain?" asked Rei wondering if he needed anything. She didn't notice his strained voice as he said,
"Don't bother looking at the opponent, you will see enough of them on the court." Rei was taken aback for a second.
"Was he just jealous?" asked Rei to herself very confused.
"Game Point 1-0! Fudomine's serve"
"Let me show you what's called an eye for an eye," said Shinji throwing the ball up to serve.
"That serve," said Fuji his eyes widening. Ryoma watched closely.
"Twist serve?!" exclaimed Yuki surprised. The ball flew at Ryoma and knocked his hat off. Ryoma looked amused.
"Hmm," he said thoughtfully.
"Shinji's Kick Serve!" exclaimed Fudomine.
"Kick Serve?" asked Mizuno, "I thought it was Twist Serve"
"Twist is the old way of saying it," said Kiyoko, "They're the same in one sense"
"Is this the District Tournament?! Both of them are able to do such a complex serve," said a bystander who had been playing in the morning.
"It's not over yet," muttered Shinji before speaking louder, "You are still hiding something. I can feel it." Ryoma smiled.
"Correct," said Ryoma before switching his racket to his other hand, "Let's stop fooling around and get serious"
"Huh!" exclaimed Fudomine-including Tachibana- now on their feet, "He's left handed"
"He didn't use his serve in the Doubles game so everyone's surprised," said Rei.
"You are a lefty?" asked Shinji slightly surprised.
"That's right," said Ryoma, "You're pretty good to be able to see through my plan so early." Shinji's eyes widened in anger.
"I shall make you lose this one," said Shinji, "You're too arrogant." Shinji made another twist serve but Ryoma was prepared. He bent his knees and returned it with one leg up in the air to add force on his arm.
"He got it!?" exclaimed Fudomine. Ryoma returned and soon there was a rally. Ryoma smiled.
"I'm sorry," said Ryoma, "But I don't intend on losing before the nationals. Of course, I won't lose in nationals either." Ryoma went up to the net quickly.
"This is the first time I've seen Echizen go up with such assertion!" said Horio aloud. Shinji narrowed his eyes before returning the ball.
"That was a good lob," commented Kiyoko, "He used Ryoma's height to his advantage, but I know it won't work." Ryoma jumped and hit it back behind his shoulders.
"Yay Echizen"
"Oh, Shinji's being pressed hard," commented a girl behind Seigaku, "And, is that freshman returning with his left hand?" Kiyoko turned and smiled at the girl.
"You're the girl from before when we were at that street court," said Kiyoko, "And is it safe to presume you are Tachibana An? What are you doing here Sakuno"
"You are Kasumi Kiyoko," said An amused, "I'll be interested in seeing you at nationals"
"Oh?" asked Kiyoko feigning surprise, "You are so confident as to think that Fudomine will win today"
"Positive," said An firmly.
"Um, Kiyoko-san," said Sakuno shyly, "How do you know Tachibana-san"
"No where," said Kiyoko haphazardly before turning back to the game.
"Ryoma-kun just did a jump smash!" said Yuki enthusiastically, "That Shinji guy is being pushed hard"
"Game, Seigaku leads 4-0"
"He's much stronger than in the school tournament," said Oishi.
"We'll have to be serious from now on," said Eiji sitting next to him.
"Hey Oishi," said Fuji pointing at the court, "There's something wrong with Fudomine's attack style. It looks like he's hitting topspins and slices to his forearm and backhand." The girls widened their eyes in recognition.
"I don't like this," said Kiyoko seriously, "Ryoma could get seriously hurt"
"There's nothing we can do," said Yuki soberly.
"Just wait until it happens," said Rei standing up with a sigh, "I'll get the medicine kit"
"Hm?" asked Eiji aloud when Rei had left, "Wonder what the girls were talking about." Ryoma suddenly stopped when he was about to return the ball. The ball went past him.
"0-15! Fudomine's point"
"What's going on?" asked Fuji standing up now worried.
"Echizen's movement was frozen for a moment," said Tezuka. Yuki sat Fuji back down and took a seat between him and Eiji.
"Just watch the show," said Yuki, "I'm sure Ryoma-kun will figure it out"
"Figure what out Yuki?" asked Eiji, "Do you know something about this?" Kiyoko stopped Yuki choosing to explain.
"Ryoma's movement was sealed for a moment right?" asked Kiyoko making sure everyone was with her, "Using a combination of topspins and slice shots, the opponent's muscles will start to contract leaving it in a numb state called spot. Even if it's only a second, it's enough to gain a point." Ryoma started turning his body to hit the ball. Now Kiyoko was surprised.
"No!" cried Kiyoko, "Spot can also make you lose your grip temporarily! If you turn your body it'll." It was too late. Ryoma's racket spun out of his hands and to the pole. It broke in half and the forked end struck Ryoma in the eye. "Ryoma!" Sakuno ran to the tennis court and was about to go to Ryoma but Kiyoko stopped her with her racket.
"What are you doing?" asked Sakuno, "Ryoma-kun is in trouble. Don't you want to help him? I thought you were his friend. Let me go"
"I know that!" said Kiyoko fiercely glaring at Sakuno before calming down, "The audience isn't allowed to get into the court. If you really respect Ryoma, leave!" Sakuno was taken aback but she stayed where she was before Yuki kicked her out. Kiyoko took the medicine kit Rei offered and went to the bleeding Ryoma. She led him to the sidelines and clotted the eye to stop the bleeding. Rei and Yuki stood back while Rei glared at Shinji.
"It was foolish of you to use spot so freely," said Rei, "Don't you know it's dangerous! If the muscles in the body are overstrained, you might never be able to play tennis"
"Matte Rei!" said Yuki holding her back, "Ryoma-kun has to fight his own battle"
"I can't stop the bleeding," said Kiyoko worriedly, "I didn't expect it to go this far. There's no injury to the left eye ball but the eyelid has a very deep cut"
"Oh my god," said Takashi who had just gotten there with Momo.
"Hey," said Momo, "Takamura-senpai, don't faint." Yuki went forward.
"Is it all right if I give a hand?" asked Yuki, "I know something about first aid." Kiyoko nodded and pulled back but not too far. Everyone was clustered around Ryoma.
"You mind giving him some air?" asked Rei annoyed. Yuki dabbed at the cut using up multitudes of cotton balls.
"What's the deal Aihara?" said Tezuka going forward.
"By the looks of it," said Yuki indirectly, "A sane player would stop right now"
"I'll go get your broken racket for you Ryoma," volunteered Kiyoko taking the pieces from the court.
"Get my spare out of my bag too, will you Kiyoko?" asked Ryoma calmly. The regulars and Coach Ryuzaki looked at Ryoma surprised. Yuki grinned.
"Gotcha," said Kiyoko regaining her cool.
"Are yo crazy?" broke out Oishi, "Take a look at yourself! Try think rationally. Right now, all the odds are against you"
"Echizen," said the ref now appearing, "It can't be that you want to go on with the match. If the bleeding does not stop, I can't let you compete. Even though it is very disappointing just to give up, you must let it go! Now, it's decided?" Ryoma took the sleeve of his jacket and rubbed at the wound so that the blood was momentarily stopped.
"No," said Ryoma stubbornly. The girls grinned and stood up. Rei looked at Coach Ryuzaki as if in agreement.
"Ryoma, come here!" called the coach. Ryoma strode over promptly. "You silly punk, what am I gonna do with you? Does it hurt"
"No, I'm okay," said Ryoma. Coach Ryuzaki sighed before looking up with a grin. She nodded her head at Yuki who walked to Ryoma with the medicine kit.
"Ryuzaki-sensei?!" asked Oishi alarmed.
"Don't worry," said Yuki, "I know what I'm doing." Yuki rubbed a salve over the wound and placed a bandage over it softly. "Bleeding stopped! This is only temporary though, maximum should be fifteen minutes"
"If the bleeding stops, I can compete, right?" asked Ryoma.
"But, you," protested the ref.
"Echizen, racket!" said Momo who had volunteered to get the spare instead of Kiyoko. Oishi stood in his way looking at Ryoma sternly.
"Vice-captain Oishi," said Ryoma surprised. The two were in a staring contest before Tezuka took the racket from Momo.
"Tezuka," said Oishi looking back at the stern captain.
"Ten minutes, if the victor is not decided by then," said Tezuka, "You'll forfeit. Understand?" Oishi was about to protest but sighed and nodded.
"Go," said Oishi, "but if you can't, step down." Ryoma took the racket and grinned.
"Okay," said Ryoma walking back to the court.
"Matte Ryoma!" said Kiyoko running to him.
"Kiyoko?" asked Ryoma wondering if there was something wrong. Kiyoko grinned before giving him a peck on the cheek.
"It's just for good luck," said Kiyoko in Ryoma's ear before skipping back to her seat. Ryoma was emotionless but there was a slight tinge of red on his cheeks. Momo looked teasingly at Kiyoko as he nudged her with his elbow.
"I didn't know you two were like that," said Momo grinning with his face warped into a malicious look.
"We're not!" protested Kiyoko. Momo was still unconvinced and Kiyoko started to get mad as an awkward silence ensued where Momo kept watching Kiyoko. Kiyoko's face was extremely red before she started chasing Momo around with her racket. Now the two sat down to watch Ryoma's game again.
"The match is continuing?!" exclaimed the bystanders and Fudomine in surprise. Fudomine as staring at Ryoma's now serious face as if he was an alien.
"No way!" exclaimed Kamio, "That shorty still wants to play"
"Isn't his left eye injured?" asked someone in the crowd. Ryoma paid no attention to them.
"This is really bad," said Horio, "Just then he faltered because of his opponent's strange tactic, but now that he is injured, I'm even more worried"
"Love to 30!" said the ref. Ryoma tossed the ball up to serve.
"That's right," mumbled Shinji, "Come on, I haven't used my full strength yet." He was shocked when the ball moved at an extremely fast speed past him. "What?! So fast, the speed increased"
"That kid," said Tachibana.
"Ryoma would never lose just because of an eye," said Kiyoko to Tachibana firmly before looking back at the game. The crowd was shocked into silence. Ryoma clutched his racket tightly and grinned.
"Hey, just a tiny injury, you guys shouldn't over react," said Ryoma confidently.
"Damn it!" cursed the Fudomine regulars, "We can't just finish like this! Go, Shinji, go!" "It's too late," said Ryoma, "Because now I'm going to use your two weaknesses to beat you. Have you played against a Nitoryou player before"
"He figured one of his weaknesses out," said Kiyoko, "I knew Ryoma could. By switching hands, he won't overstrain either muscle so spot will have no effect on him. The other one is"
"The second is," said Ryoma, "You can't do spot if you have no topspin"
"Go Ryoma!" cheered the non Seigaku regulars on the sidelines.
"He's just like his father," said Ryuzaki smiling at Ryoma.
"You knew Ryoma's father, Ryuzaki-sensei?" asked Oishi turning to her.
"Hai," said the coach nodding, "He invented Nitoryou. That was just the sort of player he was. He would think creative ways of how to overcome his faults. Those two are exactly alike"
"I see," said Tezuka overhearing, "So the person on the court right now is not Echizen Ryoma but Echizen Nanjiroh. Echizen has no tennis of his own." Fortunately, the girls could not hear for they were at the sidelines cheering.
"Damn!" cursed the Fudomine regulars, "This can't end like this. Go, Shinji, go"
"Hooray!" cheered Kachiro, "It's match point! One more and Echizen wins"
"Another chance!" said Ryoma serving the ball, "After this shot, Seigaku wins"
"I won't let you have your way," said Shinji running after the ball, "If it had been Tachibana-san playing"
"Wow! He caught up to it"
"That guy predicted the path of the smash!" exclaimed Oishi.
"Great! Shinji hasn't given up!" said Kamio. Just as Shinji was about to return, he gasped.
"Twist Serve?!" exclaimed Shinji. He was taken by surprise and caught the ball in his hand.
"Did you forget that one?" asked Ryoma.
"Game set match! Won by Seigaku, Echizen"
"Ten minutes didn't pass yet right?" asked Ryoma to Kiyoko. Kiyoko nodded smiling.
"Wow Echizen!" cheered bystanders.
"District preliminaries second place, Fudomine Jr. High"
"Champion, Seishun Gakuen Junior High! I hope both schools will have outstanding performances in the Tokyo Prefecture Tournament coming this way. That is all!" Fudomine turned to shake Seigaku's hand. Kiyoko went to shake An's hand and Yuki turned to a girl with red hair and black streaks. She wasn't dressed in tennis uniform but instead wore normal clothes with tons of jewelry on her. She grinned at Yuki.
"Hi!" said the girl, "I'm Aki"
"Why weren't you with your team?" asked Yuki. Aki grinned.
"Well, I was so confident that Fudomine would win that I didn't bother to come," said Aki, "I was just a filler for mixed doubles." Yuki was surprised at her nonchalant way of saying things but smiled.
"I hope to play you at Tokyo Prefectures Aki-san," said Yuki. Kamio, the unibanged boy in front of Aki, whacked Aki on the head lightly with his racket.
"Aki!" said Kamio, "Stop conversing with the enemy and hurry up"
"Hai," said Aki rolling her eyes before following Kamio. Kamio turned to Kaidoh. "Hey, Viper," said Kamio about to say something with a smirk. Kaidoh who had not bothered to pay attention to him turned with anger in his eyes. "Shut up, rhythm idiot," said Kaidoh. Kiyoko giggled when Shinji went up to Ryoma. Tachibana was behind him holding onto one of Shinji's arms as if forcing him. "Echizen," called Shinji, "Sorry to have hurt your eyes, you alright?" He now said things in a mumble. "But I know it wasn't my fault, you did that on purpose didn't you? It must've been on purpose! You sneaky bastard"
"Shinji," said Tachibana in a warning tone.
"Gomen," said Shinji unwillingly.
"It's okay," said Ryoma fixing his hat as he said so.
"Let's go!" said Tezuka after speaking with Tachibana.
"First seed Seigaku and relatively unknown Fudomine both advanced into the Tokyo Prefecture Tournament," narrated Rei, "From this day on, a rumor began to spread.that is 'I heard there are really strong first years in Seigaku!"
"Yay! Hooray! We win!" cheered Seigaku.
"Ah," said Yuki and Eiji rubbing their growling stomachs, "So hungry"
"Baka," muttered Rei shaking her head at Yuki who was groveling for food.
"Hey, where's Kazumi and Echizen?" asked Momo.
"Kiyoko took Ryoma to the hospital with Ryuzaki-sensei and Sakuno," said Rei.
"Hey, guys," said Takashi to the regulars, "There's a place I'd like you all to drop by."
"Kiyoko-san," said Sakuno outside the infirmary, "Gomen for interrupting you back there"
"No problem," said Kiyoko in a distant voice, "But, next time, don't get in the way." She smiled at Sakuno except it had the weight of poison. She brightened immediately when Ryoma came out with the doctor.
"You sure you guys were playing tennis?!" asked the doctor in chibi.
"We'll be leaving now," said Coach Ryuzaki to Ryoma and Kiyoko when she had dropped the two off in front of a building.
"What is this place?" asked Ryoma before reading the sign, "Sushi store"
"Don't ask so many questions," said Ryuzaki-sensei, "Just go in. Bye"
"Come on Ryoma!" said Kiyoko dragging him to the door. Ryoma slided the door open but immediately shut it closed. "What's up?" asked Kiyoko wondering what was wrong. Ryoma was already walking away.
"Hey Echizen, come in, come in!" said Takashi dragging the bland faced Ryoma inside. Kiyoko laughed and followed.
"Oh!" said Eiji, "Ochibi-chan's here"
"Don't forget Odango," quipped Momo. Kiyoko and Ryoma sweatdropped.
"What's with the nicknames?" the two asked at the same time in chibi.
"Good job everyone!" said a man at the sushi bar, "Sorry about Takashi troubling you guys today! Now Uncle will treat everyone! Eat all you can, don't be shy"
"We hope we haven't inconvenienced you with such a large group eating sushi," said Oishi. Uncle brushed it off with a smile before turning to Tezuka.
"Sensei! Thanks for taking care of Takashi," said Uncle, "Want some alcoholic beverages"
"I'm the captain, Tezuka," said Tezuka with a small smile. Rei and the others snickered in the background.
"Oops! Gomen," said Uncle.
"No problems," said Tezuka casually.
Kaidoh swiped at the sushi on the tray that Eiji was about to eat on.
"Ah, Kaidoh!" whined Eiji shocked in chibi form as he watched Kaidoh eat his sushi, "You know how much I like eel.Meanie!" Eiji stood up looking around. "Uh.there should be two left," thought Eiji. He sweatdropped when he saw Ryoma and Momo.
"Not enough, not enough, that's right!" said the two at the same time. Kiyoko was in between them clutching at her chopsticks as she watched Ryoma and Momo devour the sushi in front of her.
"These.these two," said Kiyoko and Eiji. Eiji now turned to Fuji who was contentedly eating his sushi while Yuki talked with him happily.
"That bastard," thought Fuji, "eating al those rolls by himself!" Eiji crept up to Fuji and Yuki.
"Fuji, Yuki, what are those?" asked Eiji pointing in a random direction.
"Huh?" asked Fuji and Yuki. Yuki was leaning on Fuji for support as she looked for what Eiji was pointing at.
"Thank you!" said Eiji happily as he tossed a roll into his mouth, "hehehe, little cucumber! Cucumber roll.urk!" Now Eiji looked as if he'd swallowed a whole bottle of hot sauce as he started choking on the roll. "So hot.what is this? What have you been eating Fuji"
"Wasabi Sushi!" said Fuji and Yuki at the same time. Yuki was laughing hysterically on the tatami mats. She wiped the tears of laughter off her eyes and offered Eiji some tea.
"I guess that's what you get Eiji-chan," said Yuki trying to hold in her laughter.
"Take a picture with me Ryoma," said Kiyoko sitting next to him. She handed the camera to Momo who took a picture of Kiyoko giving the blushing Ryoma a peck on the cheek. Yuki looked at Eiji who was now moping as he looked for food around the tables. She sighed and took her beloved eel sushi behind her back before presenting it to Eiji.
"Anago!" cheered Eiji looking lovingly at Yuki's tray. Yuki smiled and gave him the tray.
"You owe me Eiji-chan," said Yuki.
"Arigato!" said Eiji continuously before eating the eel.
"Let's play games now!" said Kiyoko excitedly. Tezuka, Oishi, and Rei now stood up.
"We're leaving now but we expect you guys to sleep early," said Oishi to the Seigaku regulars not paying attention. He smiled. "Oh well, I guess those guys deserve a break"
"Come on Captain, Vice-captain!" called Rei ahead of the two.
"I'm stuffed," said Yuki holding onto her stomach. There was rice on her mouth as she lay on the floor. Fuji who was sitting next to her smiled. He brushed the piece of rice on Yuki's cheek and pulled a blanket over her.
"Fuji," said Eiji in a ghostlike voice, "What are you doing to Yuki- chan? You better not be doing anything hentai"
"Eiji," said Fuji trying to defend himself. Yuki yawned kicking Eiji and Fuji in her sleep before turning over. Kiyoko laughed at Yuki before looking at Ryoma. He was asleep on the table.
"Eek!" shrieked Kiyoko in joy, "Ryoma's so cute when he's asleep"
"Shh," said Momo putting a hand over her mouth. Eiji and Momo had evil looks in their eyes as they approached Ryoma with permanent ink.
"What are you guys doing?" asked Kiyoko, "Hey! You can't grafitti Ryoma's face! Come on.hahaha! Sugoi Momo-chan, Eiji-chan, you're great at drawing." Now a chibi of Ryoma was drawn on his eyepatch with the other regulars around him trying to get him to smile.
"Yuki! Kiyoko! Rei!" called three voices behind the girls as they were about to leave Seigaku. Kiyoko was the first to turn and dropped her racket in surprise.
"Rai! Keita! Kosuke!" exclaimed Kiyoko in surprise as three boys ran to the girls on the empty sidewalk. Rai had dark brown hair and was about Ryoma's height with piercing gray eyes. He wore a sweatshirt and baggy cargo pants. A glimmering smile was on his face. Keita had blond hair going sexily over his eyes and shining cerulean blue eyes. He wore a shirt and pants and he wore a small smile. Kosuke had jet black hair and icy silver eyes. He wore an arrogant and confident look on his face. The three, just surviving through their first year of high school, stopped in front of the girls.
"What are you three doing here?" asked Rei rudely.
"What a way to treat your friends," said Kosuke amused, "Happy to see you too Rei." Kiyoko and Yuki wore the same expression as Rei's-surprised and slightly angry.
"You three shouldn't be here," said Kiyoko fiercely to Rai, "You're supposed to be back in the U.S"
"What a wonderful way to greet your stepbrother," said Rai sarcastically before taking the pissed Kiyoko under his arm, "Are you bugged that your dad and I are spending quality time little sis"
"I'll kill you!" said Kiyoko ferociously in chibi, "Just because I accepted your mom, it does not mean that I accept you!" "Haha!" said Rai in chibi sticking his tongue out at Kiyoko, "You're still at impatient as ever." Kosuke grinned devilishly at Rei.
"So what have you been up to Rei?" asked Kosuke.
"This and that," said Rei with a shrug, "and you?" Kosuke walked to Rei so that the two were only inches away.
"I missed you," said Kosuke. Rei was sweat dropping and had the anger mark on her face. As Kosuke had come closer, he was feeling Rei up.
"You're still as hentai as ever!" said Rei, "When are you going to learn?" Keita smiled at Yuki and raised his eyebrow at Yuki's necklace fingering it under his hand. Yuki didn't move.
"You're still wearing it?" asked Keita a hint of surprise mixed with happiness. Yuki turned away.
"I don't wear it because you gave it to me," said Yuki firmly to herself and to Keita, "I only wear it because it's nice"
"Yuki, you know we're engaged," said Keita, "Why don't you just accept me as your fiancé"
"Because I don't have to," said Yuki before walking off.
"I thought you wanted to see your sister," called Keita from behind her. Yuki stopped and ran to Keita in chibi form.
"Where is she?" asked Yuki, "I can't believe she got you to come with her"
"She's over at Seigaku looking for you," said Kosuke grinning evilly, "She's probably at the tennis club room 'making friends.'" Yuki ran back to Seigaku alarmed. Rei and Kiyoko sweatdropped before hitting the three boys on the head. Three bumps appeared out of their heads as the three stood in chibi clutching their bumps.
"Baka!" said Rei.
"You know how Yuki hates it when Reika's around," said Kiyoko, "They just don't get along." Yuki ran to the club room where a girl that looked exactly like her was about to strip in front of a perplexed Eiji.
"Reika," said Yuki in chibi pulling the girl back by the ear. Her face was red as she made Reika button her shirt up.
"Yuki!" said Eiji surprised, "There are two of you"
"Where's Fuji-chan?" asked Yuki looking around.
"Yuki," said Fuji behind the girl, "I just saw you walk in. Did you forget some-." He stared at the Yuki clones in front of him.
"What the heck is going on?!" exclaimed Eiji in front of Yuki. Yuki's head was down as she said,
"Meet my younger twin sister Reika," said Yuki moping.
"Twin?!" exclaimed Eiji. Yuki nodded miserably. Reika winked at Yuki.
"C'mon sis," said Reika, "You should be glad to see me. We haven't seen each other for six years," said Reika.
"And those were the happiest six years of my life," said Yuki dragging Reika outside. She turned to Fuji and Eiji with a smile. "I'll see you guys later!" When she and Reika were alone, Yuki turned serious, "You should've gone back to America. I don't want to see you"
"Sis," whined Reika, "Are you still mad that I impersonated you at that concert you had"
"What else would it be?" asked Yuki before marching off, "You nearly ruined my career"
"Gomen," said Reika bowing but there was a grin on her face.
"When are you guys going to leave?" asked Rei to the four new American visitors.
"Probably in a month," said Kosuke with a shrug, "We have a lot of time on our hands"
"Fantastic," said Kiyoko sarcastically, "Do you guys have a place to stay"
"Yeah," said Rai, "We have a penthouse a few miles from your school." Yuki, Rei, and Kiyoko were in chibi in the background.
"You four are going to mess everything up," said Rei pointedly, "You'll slip something up to the other players and then we'll have to move"
"Don't worry about it," said Kosuke, "We'll make sure to stay out of your sight."
"What are you two doing here?!" exclaimed Yuki. Rai, Keita, Kosuke, and Reika were sitting outside of the tennis courts.
"Ah!" exclaimed the first years, "There are two Yuki's"
"That's my twin you baka!" shouted Yuki chasing the first years around with a hammer.
"Kiyoko," said Ryoma to the girl. Kiyoko turned happily to Ryoma.
"What is it Ryoma?" asked Kiyoko cheerfully.
"Obaa-san wants us to practice on the court," said Ryoma, "I'm your permanent mixed doubles partner"
"Yay!" said Kiyoko giving Ryoma a big hug. A voice cleared his throat behind Kiyoko.
"Who's this Kiyoko?" asked Rai.
"No one you need to meet," said Kiyoko stubbornly before pushing Ryoma to the farthest court, "Let's go Ryoma." Rei sat on the bench next to Kosuke and Reika.
"Who are you waiting for Rei?" asked Kosuke.
"Tezuka's not here yet," said Rei, "He's the captain." Kosuke looked at the look in Rei's eyes and turned away.
"Who'd think you'd fall in love with some junior high kid," said Kosuke amused, "I thought you preferred more mature guys"
"Captain is more of a man than you'll ever be," said Rei. Kosuke grew red for some reason and was about to say something when Reika pushed him to the side covering his mouth as she did so.
"Yuki!" called Eiji as he walked to her.
"Hai?" asked Yuki.
"Do you want to do some exercises with me?" asked Eiji, "Fuji had store duty today so I'm free"
"Hai!" said Yuki happily.
"Yuki," said Keita in an icy voice behind her, "we should spend some time together tonight. It's a good idea to further our relationship"
"Maybe," said Yuki blandly before grabbing Eiji and taking him to the far end of the court.
"What does he mean relationship Yuki-chan?" asked Eiji as the two did push ups together. Yuki stopped doing push ups and Eiji did the same looking at her worriedly. Her eyes were dark.
"He's my fiancé," said Yuki.
"WHAT?!" exclaimed Eiji in surprise. His shout resounded all over the court and everyone turned to look at him. Yuki sweatdropped.
"It's no big deal," said Yuki with a forced shrug, "It won't be for a few more years. Father says I have to as soon as I finish college. I'm free to do what I want till then since the marriage is just a bond with his company and another's. Keita and I don't really have to act faithful to each other." Eiji looked at Yuki's sad face wondering if there was more he should now before smiling and putting a comforting arm over the surprised Yuki.
"Don't worry Yuki-chan," said Eiji, "I know everything will be alright." Yuki smiled.
"I hope so," said Yuki yawning before leaning on Eiji's shoulder.
"What's wrong?" asked Eiji, "Did you not get enough sleep last night." Yuki nodded.
"I couldn't sleep with Reika back in town," said Yuki, "She worries me. I don't know why but she hates me"
"Don't worry," said Eiji, "If worse comes to worse, I'll help you out"
"Arigato Eiji-chan," said Yuki leaning back on the fence. She dozed softly. EIji sweatdropped.
"Yuki-chan," said Eiji, "Practice isn't even over and we're supposed to be exercising." Kiyoko noticed and ran over to the two.
"Eiji-chan," said Kiyoko, "can you just carry her over to the club room through the back way? I'll ask Rei to tell Captain Tezuka that Yuki was tired"
"All right," said Eiji standing up and picking Yuki up. He went through the bushes so that no one could see and lay Yuki on a bench. He folded his jacket under Yuki's head as a pillow and left quietly. Keita caught Eiji on the way back.
"Where's Yuki?" asked Keita in an expressionless voice. Eiji pointed back at the club room.
"She's sleeping back there," said Eiji, "I wouldn't disturb her if I were you. She's really tired"
"What relation do you have with Yuki?" asked Keita in a now harsh voice.
"I'm a friend," said Eiji with a nonchalant shrug before walking back to the court. Keita walked to the club room thoughtfully. He stopped when he looked at Yuki. He walked to the sleeping girl slowly. Yuki was breathing softly as Keita watched her. Slowly he leaned down and kissed her gently on the lips. Yuki's eyes snapped open in surprise. She felt Keita's soft lips on hers and she slowly put her arms around him. She sat up slowly kissing him more deeply before she realized what she was doing and backed away quickly. She moved away from Keita now afraid of herself.
"What are you doing here?" asked Yuki, "It's only club members." Keita shrugged.
"Sorry," said Keita moving out before looking back at Yuki, "I'll pick you up tonight at seven. It's a date." Yuki looked surprised and was about to object when he left.
"Oh no," said Kiyoko looking at her racket, "My racket strings have worn out and I don't know anyone here that can fix my strings." Ryoma walked over to Kiyoko and took her racket from her. He examined it closely only an inch away from Kiyoko. He looked at her.
"I know someone you can take it to," offered Ryoma, "Let's go there tonight at six." Kiyoko brightened.
"All right!" said Kiyoko cheerfully, "Come over to my house after school and then we can go after I change."
"Tezuka," called Rei running to him, "Do you want to come with me somewhere tonight? I got tickets to a show and Yuki and Kiyoko said they were busy." Tezuka was about to shake his head saying he was busy when Oishi, Momo, and Inui got there and told her that Tezuka wasn't busy at all and that he would love to come. "I'm ready Ryoma," said Kiyoko walking out of the mansion she, Yuki, and Rei lived in. She was in the backyard where a tennis court was set up. Ryoma was leaning on a pole with his hat over his eyes. "Ryoma?" Ryoma opened his eyes and tried not to stare. Kiyoko wore a light blue shirt and a black dress over it. She held her racket on the side and smiled at Ryoma. He turned and walked ahead of Kiyoko.
"You didn't have to change," said Ryoma. Kiyoko noticed the distance between them and ran to catch up. She took a firm hold of his arm.
"Come on Ryoma," urged Kiyoko, "Will you please walk with me? This is fun! It's like a date." Ryoma looked up with a slight pink tinge on his cheeks. The two didn't know that Momo, Horio, Mizuno, Kachiro, Rai, and Reika were following her. Rai and Reika were in different groups.
"Why did I have to come?" whined Reika, "I wanted to trail Keita and Yuki."
"Live with it Reika," said Rai in chibi as he dragged her through the bushes. Kiyoko and Ryoma walked inside a store in the sports section of Tokyo and was greeted by a man.
"Why hello Ryoma," said the man cheerfully, "Are you here to get your racket strings fixed."
"Iie," said Ryoma, "I just had to show a friend a place to get the strings fixed."
"Hi," said Kiyoko cheerfully before presenting her racket to the man, "The strings are getting loose so I was hoping you could tighten them?" The man examined Kiyoko's racket closely and raised an eyebrow.
"You seem to be a strong player," said the man before explaining, "The strings are just loose on one part which shows you've played long enough to gain experience."
"Wow," said Kiyoko jumping up and down, "That is so cool." Ryoma took Kiyoko outside when the man had gone inside his work room.
"It'll take awhile so we should probably just look around," said Ryoma.
"Hai," said Kiyoko. The two were walking side by side but there was silence between them. "Do you want to sit down?" asked Kiyoko, "I can get us some drinks."
"All right," said Ryoma, "I'll go get some food." The two met again at the bench with some food.
"Yum!" said Kiyoko, "This stuff is good."
"Hai," said Ryoma, "I haven't had a cheeseburger in awhile." Kiyoko sweatdropped.
"You just had some yesterday!" said Kiyoko before laughing, "This is fun." The two sat looking out at the city. They were sitting on a bench in front of the bridge and were looking out into the lights of the city on the other side.
"Kiyoko," said Ryoma suddenly sitting up, "Do you hear something?"
"Huh?" asked Kiyoko. The city lights were lulling her to sleep and Ryoma's voice woke her immediately. The two stood up and looked behind the bushes. They were surprised to see a couple making out. Ryoma and Kiyoko quickly went back to the bench pretending that they had not seen a thing. "I'm not sure they wanted us to see that."
"I wonder," mused Ryoma looking at Kiyoko thoughtfully.
"Huh?" asked Kiyoko confused. Ryoma pulled Kiyoko up so that she faced him and gave her a long kiss on the lips. Kiyoko was rooted to the spot surprised.
"And I thought I was the one being fast," thought Kiyoko to herself. Ryoma smiled at Kiyoko.
"I definitely felt sparks," said Ryoma.
"Huh?" asked Kiyoko now more confused than ever.
"I just wanted to see if you get kicks from kissing and I guess you do," said Ryoma with a shrug. He cleaned up the place he and Kiyoko ate and the two went back to get Kiyoko's racket. At the doorstep of Kiyoko's house, Ryoma turned about to leave when Kiyoko went down the stairs and gave him a deep and passionate kiss. Kiyoko grinned at him.
"I just wanted you to know that the only reason you got kicks from kissing was that it was with me," said Kiyoko, "I'm good aren't I." She went back to the door and was about to close it when she said, "I like your kisses too." She closed the door behind a stunned Ryoma. When he turned the corner, Momo and the other first years came out of their hiding places. Momo was teasing Ryoma.
"Hey Ryoma," said Momo in chibi his face taking on a hentai grin, "I didn't know you and Kiyoko are that far into your relationship." Ryoma just looked back at Kiyoko's and the other girls' house.